Obituary

Denise Lynn Bailey was born on August 19, 1951, in Bremerton, Washington, to Donald Ernest and Esther Lovise (Peterson) Ryan. Denise grew up in Poulsbo, Washington, and Petersburg, Alaska, and was a graduate of North Kitsap High School and Pacific Lutheran University. She married Norman Edward Bailey of Petersburg in 1985.

Denise worked for many years in accounting and served as the Director of Accounting at the Martha and Mary Health Service in Poulsbo, Washington. Outside of her career, Denise had a passion for genealogy and spent countless hours compiling detailed family histories for close relatives, distant family members, and friends alike. She was also an avid collector of Norwegian artifacts and contributed her collections to the Poulsbo Historical Society. Denise enjoyed spending her time with Norm and their family and friends, especially when boating, gardening, and traveling together.

A very loving, joyful and compassionate person, Denise had a talent for making people feel welcome and comfortable, always demonstrating a deep sense of hospitality. She believed strongly in fairness, truth, and the value of all people, values that defined her character and guided her interactions with others.

Denise passed away peacefully on September 15, 2024, at Liberty Shores-Harbor House in Poulsbo, Washington. She is preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Esther Ryan, and her beloved husband, Norman Bailey.

Denise is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Jason and Tomoko Bailey; Trapper and Hailly Bailey; and Chris and Jackie Hill. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Fisher, Walter, Finian, Scarlet, and Aldair, as well as her devoted sisters Darla Heimdahl and Donna Hintze.